Chapter 156: Calm Waters, Hidden Dragons
The chamber was dimly lit, the flickering light of a solitary candle casting elongated shadows along the rough stone walls. Elder Cheng moved silently to the first corner, his fingers deftly placing a talisman etched with complex symbols. The parchment fluttered briefly before adhering to the wall as if drawn by an unseen force.
"No chances," Elder Wei muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "Not with ears everywhere."
The other two elders mirrored the action in the remaining corners, each positioning their talismans with practiced precision. A subtle hum resonated through the room as the enchantments activated, sealing their conversation from any prying senses.
Elder Fang adjusted his robes, the fabric rustling softly, the sound precise and deliberate. "The barriers are secure," he confirmed, his eyes sweeping the room. He lingered briefly on each talisman, as if testing their strength with his gaze alone. "For now."
Elder Cheng took his seat at the low table in the center, the others following suit. He sighed heavily, the lines on his face deepening. "The barriers may hold, but our plans do not."
"Our search remains fruitless," Cheng continued, his voice a low rasp carrying years of tempered authority.
Elder Fang leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "We’re too close to losing momentum," he said. "Each day, the forces around us grow bolder. The western forests already reek of corruption. A Bloodsoul Bloom… their arrogance knows no bounds."
Elder Xun scoffed, settling heavily into his seat, his thick arms crossed over a broad chest. His skin bore the faint, crisscrossed scars of someone well-acquainted with physical conflict, and his gaze carried a perpetual challenge, dismissive and piercing. He barked out a laugh, his scarred face twisting with disdain. "Demonic cultivators? Overgrown brats playing at power. A single fist would remind them why their kind rarely survives past infancy. If they want to reveal themselves, let them. I’ll crush them myself."
"Perhaps," Elder Cheng mused, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "But even a cornered rat can bite. It's best we avoid unnecessary entanglements. We can't afford distractions."